Question

Venus, the second closest planet to the sun, has a surface temperature of \(7.3 \times 10^{2} \mathrm{~K}\). Convert this temperature to degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit.

Short answer

The surface temperature of Venus is 456.85 °C or 854.33 °F.

Step-by-step solution

Convert Kelvin to Celsius

To convert a temperature from Kelvin to Celsius, use the formula: \[T_{C} = T_{K} - 273.15\]Substitute \(T_{K} = 7.3 \times 10^{2} \) K into the formula:\[T_{C} = 7.3 \times 10^{2} - 273.15 = 456.85 \text{ °C}\]

Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit

To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the formula: \[T_{F} = \left(\frac{9}{5}\right)T_{C} + 32\]Substitute \(T_{C} = 456.85 \text{ °C}\) into the formula:\[T_{F} = \left(\frac{9}{5}\right) \times 456.85 + 32 = 854.33 \text{ °F}\]

Key concepts

Kelvin to Celsius

Understanding temperature conversion can be extremely helpful, especially in scientific fields. When we talk about Kelvin and Celsius, we're referring to two different temperature scales. - **Kelvin** is often used in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and astronomy. It begins at absolute zero, which is the coldest possible temperature, where molecular motion stops.- **Celsius** is commonly used around the world for everyday temperatures, like weather reports.To convert a temperature from Kelvin to Celsius, we use the formula:\[ T_{C} = T_{K} - 273.15 \]It simply involves subtracting 273.15 from the Kelvin value. This is because 0 Kelvin is equivalent to -273.15 Celsius. For example, if you have a temperature of 730 K, converting it to Celsius would give you \( 730 - 273.15 = 456.85 \) °C. This straightforward conversion helps in understanding conditions like those on Venus, where knowing both Kelvin and Celsius can provide broader insight.

Celsius to Fahrenheit

The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales are frequently used in different parts of the world. While Celsius is used globally, Fahrenheit is mainly used in the United States.To switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit, you'll need to use the conversion formula:\[ T_{F} = \left(\frac{9}{5}\right) T_{C} + 32 \]This formula multiplies the Celsius temperature by \(\frac{9}{5}\) and adds 32. Why add 32? Because 0 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures the scale aligns accurately.For example, using a Celsius temperature of 456.85 °C like on Venus, the conversion to Fahrenheit would be:\[ T_{F} = \left(\frac{9}{5}\right) \times 456.85 + 32 = 854.33 \] °F.This conversion is extremely useful, especially if you are comparing temperatures in research, or just traveling between places where different temperature scales are used.

Planetary Temperature

Understanding planetary temperatures is crucial in space exploration and comparative planetology. Each planet has a unique atmosphere and distance from the Sun, contributing to its surface temperature. - **Planet Venus** is an interesting case, with extremely high surface temperatures. The average surface temperature on Venus is around 730 K, which when converted to Celsius and Fahrenheit, is 456.85 °C and 854.33 °F respectively. Venus is known for its thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, which traps heat. This is why temperatures are incredibly high when compared to Earth. Such conversions are not only vital for understanding Venus’s climate but also comparing it to Earth's to learn more about greenhouse effects and climate change. Knowledge of these temperatures helps scientists simulate and predict climatic conditions and explore possibilities for future human habitation or robotic exploration. Thus, being able to convert and comprehend these temperatures across the Kelvin, Celsius, and Fahrenheit scales provides a powerful tool in the field of planetary science.